One more stab at a safer Route 220

May 24, 2012

As the scene of 17 fatal accidents and numerous other crashes between 2000 and 2011, the Route 220 stretch in the Linden area has been a source of continual debate about safety solutions.

The latest plan announced by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is among the more significant changes in recent memory.

Among a number of changes announced last week, PennDOT has eliminated crossovers and left-turn traffic from Pine Run Road in both directions. To make a left turn or straight maneuver from Pine Run Road onto 220, drivers will have to turn right, proceed to a median crossover or other acceptable point and make a U-turn when it is safe to do so.

Larger vehicles will have to make a turnaround at a point such as the Route 44/Main Street interchange to the west or the Fourth Street interchange to the east where there is enough space to safely make the turnaround.

A deceleration lane for southbound traffic on Route 220 at the Wagner and Young's Road median opening will have to be constructed before the change can take effect.

Given the number of crashes that have occurred in this area due to traffic coming on and off of it, the complaint that this is an inconvenience should correctly fall on deaf ears.

There is nothing inconvenient about saving lives at the scene of multiple tragedies.

Of course, this is still more about motorists than PennDOT or police enforcement. It's about wearing seat belts, never driving intoxicated and traveling at posted speed limits.

Those will always be the ultimate crash preventers on Route 220 in the Linden area or anywhere else. Still, this is a practical change that hopefully will produce greater safety and fewer tragedies on Route 220.